Bone Cement Viscosity Control via Thermal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone cement systems for treating vertebral compression fractures lack control over cement introduction, leading to leakage and complications such as extravasation, which can result in serious health issues like compression of adjacent structures and pulmonary embolism, due to the high viscosity and exothermic reaction of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) during vertebroplasty procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone cement composition with a liquid and non-liquid component that, upon mixing, provides controlled exposure of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to the monomer, allowing for controlled viscosity adjustment over time, using a thermal energy emitter and controller to modulate the polymerization process, preventing unwanted extravasation by maintaining a stable viscosity during injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PMMA cement is injected into vertebral body using conventional systems, then the fracture can be stabilized, but the cement may leak and extravasate causing compression of adjacent structures and pulmonary embolism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the viscosity of bone cement through temperature modulation. The system heats the cement to increase viscosity, preventing leakage and extravasation while maintaining effective fracture stabilization. This resolves the contradiction by changing the physical parameter (viscosity) of the cement to eliminate harmful effects without compromising the stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by providing real-time control over cement viscosity during injection. The system dynamically adjusts temperature to modulate viscosity, allowing the cement to flow properly during injection then solidify to stabilize the fracture. This dynamic control prevents leakage while ensuring effective stabilization.
2Strength
If PMMA cement with high viscosity is used for fracture stabilization, then the fracture stability is improved, but the cement may cause exothermic reaction and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling temperature to achieve optimal viscosity. By heating the cement to a controlled temperature, the system increases viscosity for better fracture stability while managing the exothermic reaction through controlled temperature elevation rather than uncontrolled heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring temperature and viscosity during cement injection. The system adjusts heating based on real-time conditions to maintain optimal viscosity for fracture stability while preventing excessive temperature rise that could cause harmful exothermic reactions or leakage.
3Productivity
If conventional bone cement systems are used, then the cement can be injected into vertebral body, but the working time is limited and viscosity control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time viscosity control through temperature modulation. The system can adjust cement viscosity during the injection process, extending the working time and allowing better control over the injection procedure while maintaining the capability to inject cement into the vertebral body effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a bone cement with extended working time and controlled viscosity, reducing the risk of leakage and complications by ensuring consistent cement viscosity during the procedure, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of vertebroplasty treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal energy emitter capable of applying thermal energy to the bone cement to thereby modulate a polymerization rate of the bone cement
Implementation Method 2
modulate the polymerization process, preventing unwanted extravasation by maintaining a stable viscosity during injection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to bone cement formulations that have an extended working time for use in vertebroplasty procedures and other osteoplasty procedures together with cement injectors that include energy delivery systems for on-demand control of cement viscosity and flow parameters. The bone cement formulations may include a liquid component having at least one monomer and a non-liquid component including polymer particles and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The non-liquid component may be further configured to allow controlled exposure of the BPO to the liquid monomer so as to enable control of the viscosity of the bone cement composition.